Kitchen Design 2 : How to choose the right worktop for your ideal kitchen?

Worktop Materials

When it comes to kitchen worktop, you need to consider the style and budget. The worktop you choose will have a huge impact on both functionality and look of your kitchen. The most common kitchen worktop materials are granite, quartz, Corian, concrete, stainless steel, laminate and solid wood.

Granite

Granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar and plagioclase. It is also a porous natural stone material.

Pros:

• Appealing Aesthetic

• Versatility

• Durability

• Scratch resistance

• Heat resistance

• Natural element

• Long lasting Material

• Value booster

Cons:

• Heaviness

• Porous surface produce a stain

Cost: between £170 and £450 per square foot

Quartz

It can mimic the natural stone like marble with the subtle veining and dazzling sheen.

Quartz is an engineered stone, made of 90% of natural quartz, and 10% of resin, polymers, sand, pigments as well as crushed mirror particles. It's the ideal material for high-use areas and the most durable material on the market.

Pros:

• Elegant and sleek appearance

• Seamless finish

• Durability

• Non-porous

• Stain resistance

• Substitute of natural stones

• Low maintenance

• Versatility

Cons:

• Susceptible to heat damage

• Difficult installation

• Can fade and become discoloured

Cost: between £50 and £100 per square foot on average with installation charges included. The average medium size kitchen quartz worktop costs between £2,700 and £5,400.

Corian

Corian is a man-made product made from resin and filler. Acrylic resin is applied to the top of a substrate material to create a seamless worktops that can be moulded into many contemporary designs.

Pros:

• Seamless finish

• Non-porous surface

• Stain resistance

• Flexibility

• Repairability

Cons:

• High price

• Easily damaged by heat

• Water damage

• Susceptible to scratching

Cost: average £42.44 per square foot without installation charge. The average medium size kitchen Corian worktop costs £3,500.

Concrete

Concrete worktop creates an industrial look that works well in both ultra modern and farmhouse country kitchens.

Pros:

• Durability

• Customisation

• Sleek and minimalistic look

• Seamless finish

• Heat resistance

Cons:

• High maintenance

• High price

• Prone to cracking

• Susceptible to scratches

• Susceptible to staining

Cost: £299 per metre

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel worktop is a great option for contemporary kitchen design.

Pros:

• Durability

• Heat resistance

• Stain resistance

• Easy to clean

• Non-porous surface

• Bacteria resistance

• Mold or milder resistance

• Custom-made flexibility

• Distinctive feel and look

Cons:

• Susceptible to scratching

• Prone to denting

• A cold look

• Noisy level

Cost: from £270 per metre

Laminate

Laminate worktop is formed by the laminate sheet that is attached to a chipboard (particle board) substrate. The laminate sheet is a synthetic plastic material that looks like wood and natural stone.

Pros:

• Low maintenance

• Cheap price

• Chemicals and stains resistance

• Variety

• Easy to fit

• Substitute of wood and natural stones

Cons:

• Water damage

Cost: £20-£50 per square metre

Solid Wood

Solid wood worktop brings a sense of warmth and texture to your kitchen.

Pros:

• Timeless style

• Warmth

• Anti-bacterial property

• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Water damage

• High maintenance like regular sealing

• Easily scratched and dented

• Scorch marks

Cost: £50-£150 per square metre

Whether you're renovating your kitchen or buying a new kitchen, finding a worktop to perfectly suit your needs is vital. By weighing the pros and cons of above worktop materials and checking their prices, you will feel confident to choose the right material for your kitchen worktop.